How to Change Name on my Driving Licence?

When changing your name you want the security that comes from updating all your important documents to reflect the new you.

With so many people you need to notify about your new name, your driving licence can sometimes be overlooked. But the DVLA is the only company which requires you by law to have your driver’s licence match your new name so it’s an important one to prioritise!

You’ll often be asked for your passport or drivers’ licence as ID and if you don’t hold a valid passport, failing to change your name on you licence could lead to some serious road blocks.

Thankfully, the process to change name on your driving licence is a lot simpler than you might imagine – and it’s something we can help you with too. Check out our award-winning NameSwitch toolkits

In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to change the name on your driving licence and also your vehicle registration certificate (V5C).

What documentation do I need to submit to change name on my driving licence?

Got a car or motorbike licence? You’ll need to complete a “D1 Application for a Driving Licence” form.

If it’s a lorry or bus licence, you’ll need to complete a “D2 Application for a Lorry/Bus Licence” form.

Unfortunately, you can’t apply online. Both forms can be picked up in most post offices. The D1 pack is also available in Welsh, and if you’ve bought the NameSwitch Print Package, or the Deed Poll Premium Print Package, a D1 application form will be included in your pack.

Once you’ve filled in the form, send it back to the DVLA along with your photocard or paper driving licence and your document/s that show your legal entitlement to change your new name.

Pro tip! Remember that original certificates must be provided as proof of your name change. The DVLA can’t accept any type of copy - whether that’s a photocopy or even a certified copy. It must be the original.

The DVLA are working through a backlog of applications that have been sent since the start of the pandemic, so the process is taking a lot longer than it normally would. There can be a delay of more than four weeks before your new drivers’ licence is delivered, although your original documents will be posted back to you before that. You can only approach the DVLA with queries once your process date has passed, so be prepared to wait.

In the meantime, it’s a good idea to take a photo or photocopy of your current driver’s licence before you post the original, so a least you have a record of it if you need it.

You’re allowed to drive whilst your licence is being renewed as long as you don’t have any driving convictions, medical or any other restrictions.

What do I need to do?

Step 1: Fill out the D1/D2 form

• Complete Section 1: Tick box ‘to change my name on my licence’ only
• Complete Section 2: With your new name and title in the first main boxes and your previous name in the large box below it
• Complete Section 5*:  If you hold a British Passport - Include your Passport Number if you hold a British Passport. You will not need to complete section 5B.
• Complete Section 5B*: If you do not hold a British Passport - Tick box with evidence type you are enclosing and any associated document reference or serial numbers. 
• Sign Section 7: In your new name!

NB: *If you have a BRITISH passport (in either your old or new name) then complete Section 5 - you will not need to check anything in 5B or send anything off as evidence of your identity (i.e. do not send your passport), your passport number will be enough.

Step 2: Send the following to the DVLA:

• D1 Application form
• Your current photocard driving licence
• Your original marriage certificate / civil partnership registration / decree absolute /deed poll (depending on how and why you changed your name)

Your driving licence and your identity documents will be sent back to you at different times via second class post.

We recommend including a self-addressed special delivery envelope which you can get from the post office for extra peace of mind that your original documentation will be returned. Keep note of the tracking number.

What does it cost to change name on my driving licence?

The good news is that it doesn’t cost anything to change name on driving licence. You’ll only be charged if your photocard has been lost or stolen.

Is a photo required to change name on my driving licence?

If you’ve already got a photocard licence then no, you won’t need a new photo. If you haven’t got a photocard licence already then yes, you’ll need to send in passport-style photos.

Can I change my address as well as my name?

Yes! You can update your address if needed on both the D1 drivers licence application form and on your V5C vehicle registration.

Can I change my name on V5C vehicle registration document at the same time?

If you don’t update your vehicle registration document (V5C or commonly known as a log book), then you’ll risk a £1000 fine. But it’s easy to do, so don’t panic.

Write your new name in full in section 6 of your vehicle’s logbook (careful not to tick the “new keeper” box), and add a separate note to explain that you’ve changed your name. (If you’ve purchased a NameSwitch toolkit , we will provide you with a pre-populated cover letter to include when you send everything off to the DVLA.)

If you’ve lost your V5C form you will need to provide the DVLA replacement V62 form It costs money to do that so it’s worth hunting out your V5C.

Pro tip! The address for the driving licence and for the V5C is different so you will need to send off each application separately. You can send your V5C with a photocopy of your marriage certificate/ civil partnership registration/ decree absolute/ deed poll – unlike the driver’s licence, the DVLA do not need an original document to change your name on your log book.

How long does the name change on driving licence process take?

In normal circumstances it would be three weeks, but the DVLA are working through a backlog of applications so the process is taking a lot longer than it normally would. Because of that it could be more than four weeks before your new driver’s licence is delivered, although your original documents will be posted back to you before that.

You can check on the following link to get an idea of how long your application will take to be processed: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/dvla-coronavirus-covid-19-update

The process can also be slowed down if the DVLA checks your personal or health details.

How long does the Vehicle Registration (V5C) name change process take?

It can take as long as six weeks to receive your new logbook, so if your vehicle needs taxing before then, make sure that you tax your vehicle online or at your local post office before you send it off to the DVLA.

Is the change name on driving licence process different for Northern Ireland?

It is, yes. Residents of Northern Ireland will need to check to NIDirect.gov.uk website.

What else do I need to do?

If you want to be super-organised, get what we call the ‘Trilogy of Driving Paperwork’ in order! This means aligning the following three documents:

• V5C
• driving licence
• car insurance policy

Making an insurance claim is painful enough, without the extra stress of the names not matching.

And don’t forget, we’re here to make your name change easier if you want to fast-track through your name change.

We’ve got loads of useful FAQ’s, blogs and name change guides on our website and the NameSwitch team can help you with specific questions.

The average person has 24 government bodies and companies they need to notify of their change in name. Figuring out who needs what can be daunting and takes 14 hours of tedious stop, start research, letter writing and form filling.

With over 700 UK companies already mapped on our systems – with more added each week- we offer a range of packages at affordable prices. Our packages help you in notify the relevant government bodies and companies in less time with much more ease. You’ll have peace of mind you’ve got it right first time.

Choose your preferred NameSwitch toolkit , and we’ll provide you with personalised letters and forms that can be accessed via our secure online portal ready for you to sign and send.